Rahul's remark only proves he is not after posts: Alvi

With Rahul Gandhi downplaying the prospect of being projected as a prime ministerial candidate of the Congress, his party today claimed high moral ground on the issue saying this contrasts it with other parties, where people are "fighting for posts".

delhiUpdated: Mar 05, 2013 19:28 IST

PTI

With Rahul Gandhi downplaying the prospect of being projected as a prime ministerial candidate of the Congress, his party today claimed high moral ground on the issue saying this contrasts it with other parties, where people are "fighting for posts".

Party spokesperson Rashid Alvi at the same time said as far as party workers are concerned, they want to see Rahul as prime minister and "I am sure that one day, Rahul Gandhi will become the prime minister".

Rahul had earlier told party MPs in Parliament House that "asking me whether you want to be Prime Minister is a wrong question".

Alvi said Rahul's statement about the prime ministership issue betrays that he is not after posts.

"Both Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have proved it. That is the difference between us and other parties, where everybody is fighting for posts," he said.

Alvi, however, refrained to speak much on Rahul's views on marriage saying this is a "personal" decision of an individual.

42-year-old leader Rahul hinted that he has no immediate marriage plans, saying, "If I get married and have children, I will be status quoist and will like my children to take my place."

BJP's key face and Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, has frequently targeted the Congress on dynastic politics and said in public meetings that he does not have any family to promote in politics unlike many others in politics.

Alvi said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh holds the post till 2014 after which there are new elections in which it was on the electorates to decide who will be the next Prime Minister.

Expressing confidence that UPA III will come to power in the next elections, Alvi said the next prime ministerial candidate of the alliance will be decided by elected members in consultation with the high command.

Pointed out Rahul has also said that he was against the "high command culture", he said, "Rahul Gandhi is our high command. In Congress, our leadership that takes the decision is called the high command. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are our leaders. They take the decisions, which are final."

At the AICC briefing, Alvi also listed out the achievements of the UPA government and quoted profusely from the Union Budget to unveil the future plans of the government, which prompted questions whether the party has got its poll manifesto ready.

"We are always ready for elections," the Congress spokesperson said when asked whether the party was readying for early polls.